Treasurers' Retreat - October 10 & 11
Join fellow treasurers from around the state on Oct. 10-11 for the Township Treasurers’ Professional Development Retreat. Held at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, this retreat offers premier educational programming and excellent networking opportunities.
Not able to attend in-person? Good news! You can still get the education you need, in a convenient on-demand format. A recorded version will be available for purchase in mid- to late-October; watch for more details coming soon!
Who’s the Boss?
No one individual official is the “boss.” The township board is the “owner, operator and employer.” So how does that work in practice? Who’s in charge during a board meeting? And since the board can only act in a meeting, how does a board direct day-to-day operations? Dive into all that and more, including how your board can ensure that statutory, mandated and essential functions are provided, working together with fellow board members and other members of the township team.
Presenter: Cindy Dodge, MTA Member Information Services Liaison
Insights into Internal Controls
Having the proper internal controls in place is an accounting system fundamental for minimizing risk and ensuring accuracy in your township. The Accounting Procedures Manual provides guidance for putting these critical controls in place. This session blends the best of both, infusing them and outlining simple steps and safeguards for your township’s records and reporting.
Presenter: Sarah Jennings, Principal, Director, Consulting
Maner Costerisan
Why Isn’t THAT on Your Website?
Your township’s website is one of the first places your residents look to learn more about your services and happenings. Potential visitors look there, too. For some, it’s their very first impression. Are you utilizing this powerful communication tool to its full potential? Learn what the public may be looking for and get tips for making it easily accessible.
Presenter: Cindy Dodge
Gotcha! Don’t Take the Bait
Has it happened to you? An angry individual in the
township hall or parking lot, exclaiming complaints with profanity, acting aggressively and maybe even armed with a video camera hoping to catch you or another member behaving badly in reaction to their accusations. Don’t get caught off guard or be the next social media star. Learn what the law allows and take away tips for addressing this troubling behavior should you get caught in a similar heated and uncomfortable situation.
Presenter: Steven Joppich, Shareholder,
Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler PC
Legislative Insights, State & Local Relationships … and Your Role
Learn the latest on legislative priorities and what you can do to shape future laws as we discuss the ins and outs of understanding the Michigan Legislature. What prompts the introduction of the legislation, what are the dynamics behind them, what impacts the positions lawmakers take and how can you keep up? Get tips on engaging and improving relations to ensure your township has the influence necessary to impact legislative policy.
Presenter: Judy Allen, MTA Director of Government Relations
Reconciling: How What YOU Do Impacts Others
Reconciling is a critical function, not just for managing but for monitoring your township’s cash flow. It helps you identify problems before they get out of hand. Failure to do so can impact your entire township team, essentially leaving them flying blind with inaccurate or untimely reports. Get tips for streamlining the steps and improving the process to ensure it gets done accurately every time.
Presenter: Sarah Jennings
Navigating the Nuances of Revenue Sources
Gain insights into the various revenue streams coming into your township, from fees and charges to taxes and special assessments. Review which sources have restricted uses, how to craft ballot language to ensure funds can be used on what the board intended and tips on factoring in administrative costs.
Presenter: Rob Th all, MTA Legal Counsel,
Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches PC
Township Investments 201
You won’t want to miss this discussion on municipal investments including an overview of strategies for rising and falling interest rate environments. Dig into investment options available to townships, potential changes to Public Act 20 and more!
Presenter: Jeff Anderson, Director of Investment Services, Michigan Class and former Finance Director/Deputy Treasurer for Delta Charter Township (Eaton Co.)
Out of Order: Managing Meeting Hot Potatoes
Controversial, emotionally charged meetings or public hearings where tensions are high and tempers flare are happening with increasing frequency. More than just a lesson in grace, conflict and controversy can make a positive contribution to your decision-making processes. Learn steps you can take before, during and after difficult meetings to lessen the stressing and make your meetings more effective.
Presenter: Seth Koches, MTA Legal Counsel,
Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches PC
Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 10
9 a.m. – Registration check-in
9:30 a.m.- Welcome
10 a.m. – Who’s the Boss?
11:15 a.m. – Internal Control
Insights
12:30 p.m. – Networking
luncheon
1:30 p.m. – Why Isn’t THAT on
Your Website?
3 p.m. – Gotcha! Don’t Take the Bait
4:30 p.m. – Legislative
Insights
6 p.m. – Dinner and evening activity
Wednesday, Oct. 11
8 a.m. – Networking breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Reconciling: How What YOU Do Impacts Others
10:30 a.m. – Navigating the Nuances of Revenue Sources
Noon – Networking lunch
1 p.m. – Parade of Stars
1:15 p.m. – Township Investments 201
2:30 p.m. – Vendor Showcase
3 p.m. – Out of Order
4:15 p.m. – Adjourn
*Agenda subject to change;
doesn’t show breaks
